Tips on planning your hiking trip

Clothing and shoes

On your hiking holiday it is important to match your clothes and shoes according to the conditions and the season. Your clothes must keep your body warm, transport moisture away, protect you against the elements and be as light as possible. Dress according to the onion-principle.

• The first layer must keep you dry by moving the sweat away from your skin. Underclothes made of wool, synthetic fibers, or a mix of the two are best – a long sleeved or short sleeved shirt, hiking socks (and possibly inner socks) and a pair of long johns.
• The second later must keep you isolated while moving the moisture away from your body. Clothes made from Fleece, Polartec, PrimaLoft or soft fine feathers are best – a pair of pants, a thin jacket, a thin blouse, or t-shirt and perhaps a vest.
• The third layer must protect you from wind and rain. Waterproof or water-resistant materials are best. Look for clothes with membranes or zippers that can let out the moisture – a jacket with a hood and pants.

Boots or shoes?

The difference between the two is essentially how much support you get for your ankle. A regular shoe like sneakers does not support the ankles. If you are going on a shorter walk with accessible terrain, the common sneaker is adequate.

But if you are going on a longer hike where the road is stony and rough, we recommend boots that support the ankles. Your feet and ankles will thank for investing in a good pair of hiking boots.

And remember – if you have bought new shoes, you can do yourself a huge favor and wear them in before going on a hike. It minimizes the risk of getting blisters.

The backpack – your best friend on the hike!

Even if you pack your backpack perfectly, the most important thing is what you don’t take with you – even experienced hikers can only carry about 20-25 % of their body weight.

Tips on packing

• Make sure to place most of the weight as close to your body as possible
• Heavier things like water bottles should be packed close to your shoulders
• Lighter things like your jacket dhould be placed in the bottom of the backpack
• Smaller objects like your camera or flashlight should be placed in the pockets on the top part of the backpack where it is accessible
• Keep the backpack organized by using plastic bags. Waterproof bags are more expensive, but there are highly recommended

The daypack – maximum 12 kilo:

• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Shorts
• A light jacket
• Gloves
• Cap or headband
• Rain cover for your daypack
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• First aid kit
• Pocket knife
• ID
• Mobile phone
• Water bottle
• Map of the route

Also pack:

• Toilet paper
• Wet tissues and disinfectant
• Mosquito spray
• Camera
• Notebook, pens and a book
• Trail mix and other snacks

Food and drinks

Read these four tips on what to remember about food and drinks for the hiking trip. If you want to know more, you can find further knowledge about provisioning in wilderness handbooks and manuals.

Tip #1 Drink lots of fluids

Remember to bring lots of water and don’t always expect to be able to fill up the bottles along the way. If you don’t drink enough, the walk can get considerably harder. Drink water, herbal or fruit tea or juice.

Tip #2 Energy boost

Bring snacks to give you a little boost of energy during the trip. It could be sticks of vegetables, dried fruit and nuts or some chocolate. Keep in mind that chocolate melt fast in the backpack.

Tip #3 Lunch

Avoid fatty or big meals for lunch – whole grain and fibers will keep you full for a longer time. If you bring your own lunch, it is a good idea to think about how much space it takes up and how easy it is to eat on the go.

Tip #4 Dinner

When the hike is over, it is important to load up on water and carbs. Maybe you deserve eating out? Check out our food and gastronomy universe and get inspiration for treating yourself after a long hike.